"Rare Pair Of Paris Porcelain Baluster Vases With Revolutionary Decor - 19th Century"
Pair of neoclassical style vases, baluster-shaped, resting on a high square pedestal. Their necks, slightly flared towards the top. The handles, coming from a stylized palmette at the base of the vase, end with a rosette at the base of the neck, decorated with foliage in relief. Gilded background with polychrome decoration representing rare scenes from the French Revolution of 1789 on one side, and decorations of maritime landscapes on the other. Decoration of the main face of each vase: On the vase on the left: a scene representing a man on horseback, wearing a blue uniform, brandishing a sabre, surrounded by crowds fighting, protesting, or fleeing. Several people on foot are visible, among them armed soldiers. There are also details such as stones on the ground, which gives an impression of chaos. On the vase on the right: a similar scene takes place, but from a slightly different angle. Soldiers shoot at civilians, some fall, while others take cover behind barricades. The scene also exudes a certain violence, with bodies on the ground and armed figures engaged in combat. Decoration on the back of each vase: On the vase on the Left: Maritime landscape of a sailing ship, probably a warship or a merchant ship. In the foreground, a small boat seems to approach the shore, while a figure stands on the beach, looking into the distance. In the background, mountains or hills gently emerge on the horizon, under a clear sky. On the vase on the Right: Presents another maritime landscape, but this time with a spectacular arched rock, which seems to create a natural opening towards the background. A small figure stands on the rock, observing the horizon. In the distance, another large sailing ship sails close to the coast. The landscape is also dotted with small boats. Dimension(s): Height: 39 cm - Width: 21.8 cm, Condition(s): PERFECT CONDITION - Wear to the gilding, Period: EARLY 19th CENTURY, Observation(s): Minimal wear from use. RARE POST-REVOLUTIONARY HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. Revolutionary decorations on Paris porcelain are very RARE, created during the Revolutionary period but also at the beginning of the 19th century (as for this pair of vases), were a way of reflecting the events and ideals of the French Revolution. The scenes on the porcelain were sometimes dramatic, illustrating moments of violence and conflict, but also moments of victory and popular triumph. For example, scenes of barricades, revolts or demonstrations were frequently represented as on this pair of vases. These pieces of porcelain served both as luxury objects and as a means of propagating revolutionary ideals. They were often given as gifts to important figures or used in the salons of Republican aristocrats to display their support for the ideals of the Revolution. Revolutionary decorations on Paris porcelain not only illustrated historical events, they were also objects of propaganda and reflection on the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity that shaped the French Revolution. These vases, made in a neoclassical style, combine the beauty of porcelain with the power of revolutionary messages. Offered as gifts or intended for the elite, they testify to popular enthusiasm for the Republican cause. True works of art, these luxury objects also served to disseminate revolutionary ideals to aristocrats and influential figures of the time. Through their rarity and symbolism, these vases capture the very essence of a period in history that redefined the contours of French society. PAYMENT and TRANSPORT PAYMENTS ACCEPTED via PAYPAL / TRANSFER / CB online or by CHECK. PACKAGES WILL BE POSTED WITHIN 4 DAYS. GROUPED SHIPPING POSSIBLE IN CASE OF PURCHASE OF MULTIPLE ITEMS.